10 Best Crib Mattresses in 2018 For Your Baby’s Safe Sleep

When it comes to expectant parents, shopping for a mattress for the crib usually isn’t anywhere near as exciting as shopping for the vast array of other baby products and furnishings, which does include the crib itself. That’s certainly understandable.

Still, while you may not initially realize it, the mattress is actually one of the most important things you’ll be buying for your baby. In fact, your baby will be spending more time on that mattress than anywhere else, typically around 16-18 hours per day.

Because of this, it’s crucial to get things right, and not skimp on quality or design.

As you probably already know, there are seemingly infinite amounts of choices for best mattresses for kid out there, with all of them trying to convince you why they’re the best.

If we were to recommend the one mattress that would perhaps fit the most people the most comfortably, the Newton Wovenaire is the best one. Finding a second to follow up on it becomes difficult, but if it’s going to be any mattress, it is the Serta Tranquility Eco. There are other good ones as well. They’ve been reviewed below.

We did the work for you, analyzing a slew of baby bed mattresses, and settling on these 10 best crib mattresses. In this list, you’ll find a variety of different types and designs, but all of them carry our recommendation regardless.

Newton’s Wovenaire Baby Mattress represents the best and the safest crib mattresses, as it’s eco-friendly, comfortable, breathable baby mattress and has some very convenient features you’ll appreciate for years. Yes, it’s going to cost you a bit more than some other mattresses, but it’s definitely well worth it.

The mattress uses a core made from 90% air, and 10% food-grade polymer, giving it all the comfort and strength of foam and latex, but avoiding all their disadvantages.

The core is wrapped up in highly-breathable, three-dimensional fabric that’s been stitched together to create added pockets of air for increased comfort, without yielding to firmness. The cover easily unzips off so you can run it through a washing machine.

The core is washable as well, but you’ll need to do it in a bathtub, or simply spot treat it as needed. More importantly, the combination of the cover and air core makes the mattress up to 17 times more breathable, significantly reducing the risk of suffocation.

The mattress measures 52″ x 28″ x 5.5” and is designed to fit all standard size cribs. The size allows you to use it well into your child’s toddler years.

Newton’s Wovenaire Crib Mattress is simply a superior product that alleviates many common issues, while increasing safety, and maintaining convenience thanks to a washable cover and core. If you are having issues with conventional foam or innerspring mattress covers, this is totally worth the added expense.

Serta has an established reputation for making high-end mattresses in conventional sizes, and the Tranquility Eco Firm Crib and Toddler Mattress is the same story in a smaller form. This mattress fuses traditional coil spring design with double-sided versatility, resulting in one of the best infant mattresses you’ll find.

On the inside, the mattress uses 120 heavy duty innerspring coils, and combines that with a full perimeter border wire and Ortho-insulated layer for added support, maintaining ideal firmness for a young baby.

When the time comes, the toddler side uses naturally blended cotton layers for extra comfort in place of the more firm feel to the baby side. A vinyl waterproof cover on both sides resists moisture and stains, making it easy to clean, while preventing mold, mildew, and bacteria from entering. Integrated air vents give the mattress better breathability and helps to keep it fresh.

The Tranquility Eco Firm Crib and Toddler Mattress is fully GREENGUARD Gold certified, which recognizes products with low chemical emissions that encourage improved indoor air quality also making it one of the best organic crib mattresses.

All foam material used is CertiPUR-US approved, avoiding the use of mercury, lead and other heavy metals inside.

For those willing to spend a little extra, the Tranquility Eco Firm Crib and Toddler Mattress offers much in the way of comfort and versatility. Perfect for babies and toddlers alike, you can buy with confidence knowing you’ll get years of use out of it.

The Milliard Crib & Toddler Mattress is an inexpensive mattress that greatly outperforms its price range, as it’s designed to mimic the womb environment for your little one, leading to better and safer sleep.

This is a standard foam mattress, certified to be safe and completely chemical-free. It has a density of 28D, which places it in the medium-firmness range, keeping your baby comfortable and stable, but without sinking too far into the mattress.

The mattress is fully encased in a hypoallergenic, non-porous waterproof cover. This not only prevents allergens from getting in the mattress, it also protects it from bacteria, mold, dust mites, and more. Despite the non-porous cover, air and heat can still ventilate on the bottom. (Plus, it has polka dots, which we can always appreciate.)

Measuring 52 x 27.5 x 5.5 inches, this mattress is suitable for both infants and toddlers, so they have it to grow on for years. Inner fiberglass lining allows the mattress to meet all fire safety regulations, providing some added peace of mind.

If you’re in search of a good foam mattress value that hits all the right aspects, it’s hard to go wrong with this product from Milliard. The combination of comfort, cleanliness, and safety gives this mattress a leg up on most innerspring varieties, while avoiding common pitfalls for many foam mattresses. This is a great buy.

Yes, another Sealy baby bed mattress on this list, which really isn’t much of a surprise. The Sealy Soybean Foam-Core Crib Mattress does things a bit differently, while still delivering an impressive foam mattress that could probably be priced for twice as much.

As the name indicates, this mattress really does use soybeans — but probably not how you’re thinking. The lightweight foam core is made from refined soybeans using a high amount of renewable sourcing via U.S. farmers, making it both eco-friendly, unique, and durable.

The foam used throughout the rest of the mattress is CertiPur-US Certified foam made in the USA, and contains zero phthalates, lead, mercury, formaldehyde, or any other potentially harmful flame retardants.

The reinforced and embossed waterproof cover is stain-resistant, and uses lock-stitched binding to keep moisture from getting inside, and also allows for easy wiping away of allergens like dust and dander.

The mattress weighs just over 8 lbs, making it a little lighter than similar foam models. This enables an easier time whenever you need to change the sheets, something that will come in handy over the years as your child grows out of the crib and into a toddler bed.

Make no mistake, this is mattress is no gimmick.The Sealy Soybean Foam-Core Crib Mattress takes a different approach to conventional foam mattress, and results in a superior product you can feel good about purchasing. For under $100, it’s a steal.

This Perfect Rest baby Mattress from Sealy is one of the best crib mattress with innerspring coil that provides your baby with a clean, firm, and comfortable environment well into their toddler years. This is a great way to get a major brand name mattress for under $100, without skimping on quality.

The mattress is engineered with 150 extra firm heat-tempered interlocking steel coils that ensure long-lasting support, without being too plush. Secure-edge heavy gauge steel border rods provide optimal support around the sides of the mattress.

The mattress does not contain any toxic fire retardants, and has passed the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) baby Mattress Standards, while meeting or exceeding all flammability, lead, phthalate and CPSIA testing. Doesn’t get any safer than that.

Innerspring mattress continue to be the best mattresses for babies, as long as they are made correctly, and with the right aspects in mind. The Sealy Perfect Rest Infant/Toddler Crib Mattress does just that, giving parents an excellent option for an affordable price.

The Dream On Me Twilight Spring Crib and Toddler Bed Mattress is a surprisingly quality innerspring mattress that offers a solid amount of safety, comfort, and convenience, and is geared towards parents that favor spring mattress over foam and other types.

This lightweight mattress uses 80 interwoven, heat-tempered springs on the inside, giving the mattress a firm foundation with added support, which ensures the proper amount of give and stability together for safe sleeping.

One the outside, two hypoallergenic layers fully encapsulate the core, offering increased comfort and support, while also providing allergy-free use. Airflow pockets help keep the mattress fresh, eliminating the need for outdated metal vents.

The mattress’ antibacterial and waterproof stitching helps to avoid mildew and mold from forming and finding a way into the mattress, something common with ordinary cotton binding. It also comes with a 10 year warranty, which is more than enough to cover it as your child grows into and eventually out of it. This particular model weighs 12 lbs, has a thickness of 5 inches, and measures 52 x 27 x 6 inches.

The Dream On Me Twilight Spring Crib and Toddler Bed Mattress touches on all the right things, and still manages to stay very well within a budget price range. You can purchase this mattress with peace of mind, knowing that it doesn’t trade quality for price — and that’s the best bargain you can ask for.

The Sealy Baby Firm Rest Mattress is a feature-rich product that offers a lot, while keeping the price more than manageable. This mattress doesn’t offer anything flashy or groundbreaking, but it is very well-designed, and gives your baby typical Sealy quality in a much smaller package.

The core of this 9 lb mattress utilizes 204 heat-tempered interwoven steel coils system that make the mattress adequately firm, with proper posture support as well. All-around border rods are used on the outside to keep the sides, corners and edges firm for years to come, while an anti-sag system helps to distribute your baby’s weight correctly.

On the surface, a durable, hospital-grade antibacterial cover provides a sanitary sleeping surface. The cover is waterproof and easily wipes clean with a damp cloth. And as you probably guessed, the mattress is made from hypoallergenic materials.

Like every other Sealy crib mattress, the Baby Firm meets American Society for Testing and Materials Crib Mattress Standards, is GREENGUARD Gold certified for indoor air quality, and tested for chemicals. It also offers a 20-year warranty on workmanship and materials, which is great when considering it can be used well into your baby’s toddler years.

The Sealy Baby Firm Rest Mattress is a good example of a mattress that goes out of its way to address some of the most typical issues parents encounter with baby mattresses, while adding in a noticeable sense of quality, and all for a more than fair price. There’s a reason this is such a popular mattress.

This My First Crib Memory Foam Crib Mattress is precisely what a memory foam mattress for an infant needs to be: firm, yet with just enough give to allow for better poisoning, while still maintaining safety and comfort.

The body of the mattress is constructed of premium CertiPUR-US-certified flexible polyurethane foam, which allows for ideal breathability and stability, with just the right amount of firmness. The foam gives slightly to form around your baby’s body as they lay.

The mattress comes with a removable, plush velour cover that is extremely soft to your baby’s delicate skin. The cover is also machine washable and waterproof, preventing mold and bacterial growth.

Do note that this is a standard baby bed mattress, and likely won’t be suitable for a toddler going forward due to the firmness, unless that’s their preference. The mattress measures 51-5/8″ x 27-1/4″ x 5″ and fits any standard crib.

All of the materials used for the toddler crib mattress meets and exceeds federal flammability and CPSC standards, along with being hypoallergenic, mite-proof, anti-microbial, and phthalate free.

Memory foam infant mattresses have come a long way, leading to the quality products we have today, which certainly includes the My First Crib Memory Foam Crib Mattress. If you prefer memory foam mattresses, this one is highly recommended.

The Milliard Memory Foam Crib Mattress offers a great amount of comfort and support from head to toe, encouraging better sleep for your baby. Throw in a plush bamboo cover and an economical price, and you have a winning combination.

The mattress features a firm foam base with a softer layer of high quality memory foam on top. This lets the mattress retain its shape, and keeps it from sagging and bottoming out as time goes on.

The foam materials are made from hypoallergenic, Certi-Pur certified foam that resists allergens, mold, bacteria, and dust mites, so it’s especially perfect for babies with allergy issues.

The mattress’ design produces maximum air flow that regulates sleep temperature, along with better weight distribution for optimal sleeping quality. It’s also one of the lightest mattresses on the market, weighing in at just over 3 lbs. A waterproof, ultra-soft bamboo cover provides an additional layer of softness, and it’s completely machine washable for added convenience.

The Milliard Memory Foam Crib Mattress is an exceptional value, carefully balancing a plush top layer with the firm feel a baby mattress truly needs. The bamboo cover and lightweight design help to make this a unique product that should be very attractive to parents desiring a memory foam mattress.

The Simmons Kids Beauty Sleep Woodland Dreams Crib and Toddler Mattress is in a category of its own, as it’s not a coil mattress, nor is it foam. This gives it a more unique feel, along with some added durability and extended usage.

The inside of the mattress consists of a firm, thermo-bonded polyester fiber core that helps to create a firm feel, while avoiding the potential sagging of foam, or the wearing out of coil springs.

The baby side of the mattress maintains a firm profile with just the right amount of give, while the toddler side adds an extra plush layer between the core and surface for a softer feel that is better for growing kids.

3D microclimate borders facilitate air circulation, keeping the mattress aerated, and giving it all the breathability it needs for safe, comfortable sleep.

The mattress meets or exceeds all flammability standards, and is GREENGUARD Gold certified, so you know it won’t interfere with interior air quality. As an added notion of quality assurance, each mattress comes with a limited 25 year warranty.

The Simmons Kids BeautySleep Woodland Dreams Crib and Toddler Mattress is equally-suited for infants and toddlers, and offers astounding quality on each side. Parents who aren’t keen on the typical foam and spring choices have a perfect alternative with this product, without having to pay anymore than they normally would.

Essential Aspects To Consider With Crib Mattresses

Mattresses may seem like simple products at first glance, but there’s a lot going on that you may not initially realize. Here are the most important things to be aware of when shopping for your next crib mattress for your little one or if still confused how to choose a crib mattress ?

Core

This is the most important characteristic used to group and sort crib mattresses. The core refers to the innermost part of the mattress that is responsible for its shape and support. It really comes down to preference as to which you should choose.

Innerspring coils are the most traditional choice. These use numerous springs placed evenly throughout the core of the mattress, sandwiched in between softer outer layers. This provides a resilient firmness. The more springs, the better.

Foam mattresses use a large foam layer at the core, which is then supported by more layers on each side. This creates a lighter mattress with a little more give, and a more plush surface as well. Just be sure to not get one that’s too soft, as infants require a more firm mattress as they grow.

There are a few other cores available as well, which include everything from polyurethane fibers, to coconut leave husks, shredded organic cotton (used in the organic crib mattress), and more.

Cover

Covers can be made from any number of different materials, but all of them are responsible for not only adding an extra layer of comfort, but protecting the inside of the mattress as well. Look for covers that are machine washable and waterproof for best results.

Weight

The weight of the mattress generally does not affect the feel all that much but lighter mattresses can be easier to move around when you need to change sheets or clean it. Try to keep things under 20 lbs.

Safety

There are a number of different safety certifications available for crib mattresses. Look for certifications that guarantee mattresses free of chemicals, and free of harmful flame retardants. Expanded breathability is a great thing as well, in case your baby turns over during sleep.

Versatility

Best Crib mattresses can seem a bit expensive for their smaller size at times. The best way to offset this it to look for mattresses that can be flipped over when your baby becomes a toddler. The mattresses will have different softness levels on each side, while maintaining the core aspects. This saves you from having to buy a newer mattress just a year or two later.